Haikus for Jews: For You, a Little Wisdom

by David M. Bader

Book Overview

Why is this haiku book different from all other haiku books? For centuries, the Japanese haiku has been one of the world's most dazzling poetic forms. In just three short lines, it captures the sublime beauty of nature--the croak of the bullfrog, the buzzing of the dragonfly, the shriek of the cicada, the scream of the cormorant. Now, with Haikus for Jews, there is finally a collection that celebrates the many advantages of staying indoors. Inspired...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 060960502X
• ISBN13: 9780609605028
• Release Date: September 1999
• Publisher: Harmony
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 0.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 4.9" x 6.6"

Customer Reviews

Hilarious, Quirky, Fun Book

This is a unique book. I haven't seen another one like it! Japanese imagery is intertwined with Jewish themes to create some highly original humor. It doesn't rely on stereotypes. It parodies old stereotypes and it includes new areas in its haikus. "No fins, no flippers... the gefilte fish swims with...some difficulty" or "Seven-foot Jews in ... the NBA slam-dunking... my alarm clock rings." Some of the poems are downright hilarious. All have a certain fun quality. I have given the book to countless people at this point, all of whom enjoyed it. Almost any intelligent reader will get it and sometimes even laugh out loud.

A Jewish-Japanese Gem!

As an author of Jewish humor, I hate admitting anyone but me is funny, but Haikus for Jews had me roaring with laughter, and so did everybody that I gave a copy of the book to. This is a perfect gift to bring the hostess when you're invited to dinner. It's a lot cheaper and will last longer than a good bottle of wine ... unless one of the other dinner guests steals it. It is a perfect gift for anyone with a sense of humor. I loved it.

Fully Kosher

This is a fine little book. Granted, I had to explain a lot of the Yiddish to my gentile friends, while even the shiksas smiled and nodded, but this is indeed humour that can be appreciated by your entire blended family. Truth, kvetching and the Jewish way in a pithy little volume that makes a fine gift for all the kosher folks on your list. Do not neglect the bagel-and-chopsticks pictures in the bottom right corners.

Haiku review

So, lots of moneyfor a little book. Buy itanyway. You'll plotz

The poetry of Jewish Neurosis

So you thought I would / Write a Jewish haiku to / Sell this book. Guess not.Bader, a Hahvahd Lawyer, and the author of"How to Be an Extremely Reform Jew" provides the essence of the faith in 5-7-5 / 17 syllable portions. Like the Japanese ahiku, the Jewish haiku (or CHAI-ku) includes 'a kigo', or a 'season word' hinting at a time of year. It is sheer genius. My favorites were one about a mohel pruning the growth in his garden and: Heimlich. Is that a / Jewish name? I wonder as / a diner turns blue.